McIlroy relishing life on US tour

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy insists his decision to join the US PGA Tour was vindicated by his recent win at Quail Hollow.

The world number nine surprised some pundits by electing to spend more time in America at the end of last year, but the criticism died down once he recorded his first win there.

McIlroy shot a final round 62, ten-under par, to land the Quail Hollow Championship three weeks ago, pushing Phil Mickelson into second place, and he says his stunning win has made him feel at home in the United States.

And that win, two days before his 21st birthday, made him the youngest winner on the US PGA Tour since Tiger Woods in 1996 and earned him the respect of the American professionals.

McIlroy, back in the United Kingdom to play the European PGA Championship - which starts at Wentworth on Thursday, said: "I think it vindicated it, not because of the decision but because of the way I've played at the start of the year.

"I struggled, and to get that win over there proved to a lot of people, probably including myself, that it was the right decision.

"When you go over as a European and you join the Tour sometimes you don't feel part of the Tour until you win or you have been there for a while.

"So to get that win...I feel as if I have been accepted.

"But I am excited to be back playing in Europe - I haven't played in the UK since October. It is great playing in America but it is always nice to get back to Europe and see everyone and come back to familiar surroundings."

McIlroy's success at Quail Hollow provoked a flurry of congratulatory letters from, amongst others, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Seve Ballesteros.

Ballesteros, who won the Masters at 23, took time out from his recovery after brain surgery to write to the 21-year-old reminding him of the significance of his win to European golf.

McIlroy has kept the letters that are currently being framed, along with the flag from the 18th hole at Quail Hollow.

McIlroy added: "Seve came at it from a European perspective. He said 'It is great what you have done, especially to win in the US so early' and he talked about the Ryder Cup and how proud he was of all the young players over here. It was a very touching letter and the first one I received.

"He has been going through a difficult time but hopefully we will see him at St Andrews - for him to take time out to write to me was fantastic.

"I had lunch with Jack at West Palm Beach earlier this year and he told me to be patient. He said 'I told you to be patient but that was just outrageous' - it was great."